Narholder device

ABSTRACT

The nasal spray storage and protection device disclosed herein may comprise, at least, a main body, a removably attached cover, a plurality of blister package receivers, and a means for attachment to a user. Such a device is advantageous to first responders, law enforcement officers, or military personnel in that it provides a rigid and convenient means for carrying a plurality of Narcan nasal sprays on their person while protecting the nasal spray dispensers from damage and interference. In a preferred embodiment of the device the cover is attached to the main body by a means that allows for single-handed opening so that a user can access the Narcan nasal spray more easily. The device may further comprise a solid base plate  112  or a vented base plate  112,  depending on the unique needs of the individual user.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to storage devices, and, more specifically, to a nasal spray storage and protection device.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Opioids are a class of drugs derived from opium that produce morphine-like effects, such as sedation, respiratory depression, and euphoria. Examples of such opioids include the drugs Fentanyl and Carfentanil, which are considered to be 75 times more potent and 10,000 times more potent than morphine, respectively, and which are presently identified as significant public health risks due to their high incidence of abuse and sharply increasing correlation with death from overdose.

Fentanyl, in one of its forms, is made available as a transdermal patch, and such patches have been identified as a potential cause of death for adults and children as a result of accidental exposure to patches that have been improperly discarded. Fentanyl is also used illicitly by recreational drug users and addicts, and may be taken orally, by smoking, by snorting, or by injection. Carfentanil, which until March 2017 had been legally manufactured and openly sold over the internet from China, is normally used by drug users and addicts in combination with heroin or cocaine, and has also been used offensively as an aerosolized chemical weapon.

The broadening public use of Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and other Fentanyl analogues has led to the dramatically increasing incidence of accidental overdoses from such use, and, consequently, the need for first responders, law enforcement officers, and military personnel to carry with them an antidote to such drugs. Naloxone, which may be sold under the brand name “Narcan,” is a medication used to rapidly block the effects of opioid drugs, especially in cases of opioid overdose. Naloxone may be made available as in intravenous injection, an intramuscular injection, or as a nasal spray, and has the effect of reversing the central nervous system depression caused by such opioid overdoses.

It is known to have a Naloxone nasal spray specifically intended for the treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Such a nasal spray may be made available in a compact, single-use dispenser that may be developed for carrying and use by first responders, and may be sealed within a proprietary blister package for controlled storage. Such a nasal spray may be metered to deliver 4 milligrams (mg) of Naloxone in a single use, though, may not deliver sufficient Naloxone in a single use to fully counteract a particularly severe opioid overdose. As such, it is generally advised that personnel carrying such a nasal spray carry a plurality of dispensers. Such a nasal spray may be known as “Narcan Nasal Spray 4mg.”

It is known to have a Naloxone nasal spray storage device comprising a soft pouch made from nylon or other appropriate material. The use of nylon in such an application is advantageous in that it is moisture-resistant, though the use of soft materials is disadvantageous as the nasal spray is not protected from damage as a consequence of direct impact or crushing. Such a device may hold a plurality of nasal spray dispensers, and may comprise a means for attachment to a user via the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) standard or the use of hook-and-loop straps. Such a storage device may be known as a “Narcan pouch” or “Narcan Kit.”

It is known to have an attachment device that may be mounted on a storage device and may permit that storage device to be attached to a user. Such an attachment device may comprise a hard plastic material and a hinged double-locking mechanism, and may be specifically designed for use in high impact environments. Such a device may permit the carrying of handgun holsters or utility belt items by a first responder, law enforcement officer, or military personnel, and may permit the attachment of such items on a utility belt, utility clothing, or armored vest. Such an attachment device may be known as a “TEK-LOK clip.”

There is a need in the art for a nasal spray storage and protection device. Such a device may comprise, at least, a main body, a removably attached cover, a plurality of blister package receivers, and a means for attachment to a user. Such a device preferably comprises solid, impact-resistant material so as to protect the contents of the device from damage as a result of impact or crushing, and may comprise a removably attached cover or a hinged cover to protect said contents from spillage and exposure to the elements. Such a device may also comprise a means for permitting the evacuation of moisture and fluids from within the device through the design of its base.

It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes a nasal spray storage and protection device comprising, at least, a main body, a removably attached cover, a plurality of blister package receivers, and a means for attachment to a user.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a solid material of construction.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise an impact-resistant material of construction.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a fluid-resistant material of construction.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a lightweight material of construction.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a removably attached cover.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a hinged cover.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a solid base.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a slotted base.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a vented base.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a single nasal spray storage compartment.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a dual nasal spray storage compartment.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a means for attachment to a user.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a TEK-LOK clip.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a COMP-TAC clip.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a snap clip.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nasal spray storage and protection device that may comprise a belt loop.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an overall view of a nasal spray blister package, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device cover, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device cover, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device having nasal spray blister packages placed within the storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device cover installed on a storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device storage compartment having a means for attachment to a user, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device storage compartment having a means for attachment to a user and a cover installed on a storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top overall view of a second embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top overall view of a second embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device having a nasal spray blister package placed within the storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top overall view of a second embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device cover installed on a storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

It is to be understood that like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for reference only and is not limiting. The words “front,” “rear,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “lateral,” “medial,” “upper,” “lower,” “outer,” “inner,” and “interior” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the invention, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. The term “Naloxone” may refer to any appropriate opioid antagonist. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

The present invention relates generally to storage devices, and, more specifically, to a nasal spray storage and protection device comprising, at least, a main body, a removably attached cover, a plurality of blister package receivers, and a means for attachment to a user.

When a first responder, law enforcement officer, or military personnel is exposed to Fentanyl or Carfentanil the exposure can cause injury or death. Preventable death occurs when the injured party does not receive medical treatment, and, more specifically, when Naloxone nasal spray is not administered in a timely fashion. Naloxone may be carried by such personnel, though there is a need for a secured method of carrying such Naloxone that can be operated single-handedly. In the event the first responder, law enforcement officer, or military personnel is exposed to Fentanyl or Carfentanil and falls to the ground while alone, the individual must be able to administer to him or herself the Naloxone nasal spray.

Traditional nasal spray carriers are made of nylon or other soft material, which may allow the plastic blister package containing the nasal spray to foul or accidently discharge the Naloxone because it is not protected against physical intrusion. Further, the Naloxone needs to be properly secured within the nasal spray carrier so that the nasal spray does not fall out of the carrier during aggressive physical activity. As an example, first responders, law enforcement officers, and military personnel routinely engage in physical activity such as foot pursuit, fighting, or vehicle searches. Even the act of falling to the ground as a result of exposure to Fentanyl or Carfentanil can cause destruction of the nasal spray device held in a soft carrier.

The illustrations of FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device. The figures specifically identify a main body 100, a cover 200, a plurality of blister package receivers 110, and a means for attachment to a user 300. The figures also identify a nasal spray blister package 400, onto which may be installed a nasal spray 402.

The first embodiment of the main body 100 may comprise a hollow rectangular shape large enough to contain two nasal spray blister packages 400, and may be defined by two long sides, which may be a front side 102 and a rear side 104, and two short sides, which may be a first lateral side 106 and a second lateral side 108. A bottom surface of the main body 100 may comprise a base plate 112, which may be permanently attached to the main body 100, and which may provide structural support to the device. A top surface of the main body 100 may be open so as to permit access to a central cavity formed internally to the main body 100. The corners of the main body 100 may be squared, though they are preferentially rounded or beveled so as to reduce the risk of snagging the device on, for example, a seat belt or article of clothing.

The first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 of the first main body 100 may further comprise a plurality of blister package receivers 110 attached to or integrated within their inner surfaces. In one embodiment, the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise recesses in the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 sufficiently wide enough to receive the edges of two nasal spray blister packages 400 placed back-to-back within the central cavity of the nasal spray storage and protection device. In one embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 numbers two receivers, one integrated into each of the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108.

In another embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise rectangular lengths divided into longitudinal prominences separated by longitudinal notches. The plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise three such prominences, a central prominence and two lateral prominences, and two such notches. The thickness of the notches may be defined by the spacing between the prominences, and is sized appropriately to receive an edge of a nasal spray blister package 400. In one embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 numbers two receivers, one affixed to each of the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108.

In either embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may be positioned both directly opposite to each other and in the center of each lateral side of the main body 100. In this orientation the plurality of blister package receivers 110 combine to hold the nasal spray blister packages 400 in place such that they do not move relative to the main body 100.

The base plate 112 may further comprise a solid base plate, a slotted base plate, or a vented base plate. The slotted base plate and vented base plate may further comprise a plurality of slots or a central vent opening 114, respectively. The solid base plate may serve to provide additional structural support and environmental protection to the nasal spray storage and protection device, though may also serve to contain fluids or contaminants that enter the central cavity in the main body 100. The slotted base plate or vented base plate may serve to allow fluids or contaminants that enter the central cavity in the main body 100 to be discharged automatically, though may also provide reduced structural support and environmental protection to the nasal spray storage and protection device.

The cover 200 may comprise a flattened rectangular plate having an upper side and a lower side, and being appropriately sized to sit on top of the main body 100. The upper side of the cover 200 may further comprise a handle 202 or other means for placing or removing the cover 200 on the main body 100.

The lower side of the cover 200 may further comprise a lip 204 or other means for engaging the top surface of the main body 100, and the lip 204 may further comprise an appropriate seal to create an air-tight container. The lip 204 of the cover 200 may be appropriately notched so as to fit around the plurality of blister package receivers 110.

The cover 200 may be removably attached to the main body 100, or may be attached to the main body 100 via a hinged or articulating mechanism. A hinged attachment between the cover 200 and the main body 100 may comprise, for example, a hinge mechanism affixed to the upper side of the cover 200 and the rear side 104 of the main body 100. An articulating attachment between the cover 200 and the main body 100 may comprise, for example, an articulating mechanism affixed to the upper side of the cover 200 and the two short sides of the main body 100. The method of attachment preferentially allows for single-handed opening or release of the cover 200 from the main body 100.

In one embodiment, the nasal spray storage and protection device may further comprise a means for attachment to a user 300, which may be attached to the main body 100 via a plurality of mounting holes. The plurality of mounting holes may comprise openings through the rear side 104 of the main body 100, and may serve to permit the affixing of a means for attachment to a user 300 to the nasal spray storage and protection device. The plurality of mounting holes may vary in number, shape, and location, as appropriate to the selected means for attachment to a user. In one embodiment the means for attachment to a user 300 may comprise a TEK-LOK clip or a COMP-TAC clip for attachment to a user's duty belt. In another embodiment the means for attachment to a user 300 may comprise a snap clip for attachment to a user's epaulette or protective vest.

The illustrations of FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a second embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device. The figures specifically identify a main body 100, a cover 200, and a plurality of blister package receivers 110.

The second embodiment of the main body 100 may comprise a hollow rectangular shape large enough to contain one nasal spray blister package 400, and may be defined by two long sides, which may be a front side 102 and a rear side 104, and two short sides, which may be a first lateral side 106 and a second lateral side 108. A bottom surface of the main body 100 may comprise a base plate 112, which may be permanently attached to the main body 100, and which may provide structural support to the device. A top surface of the main body 100 may be open so as to permit access to a central cavity formed internally to the main body 100. The corners of the main body 100 may be squared, though they are preferentially rounded or beveled so as to reduce the risk of snagging the device on, for example, a seat belt or article of clothing.

The first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 of the second main body 100 may further comprise a plurality of blister package receivers 110 attached to or integrated within their inner surfaces. In one embodiment, the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise recesses in the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 sufficiently wide enough to receive the edge of one nasal spray blister package 400 within the central cavity of the nasal spray storage and protection device. In one embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 numbers two receivers, one integrated into each of the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108.

In another embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise rectangular lengths divided into longitudinal prominences separated by longitudinal notches. The plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise one such prominence and one such notch. The thickness of the notch may be defined by the spacing between the prominence and the rear side 104 of the main body 100, and is sized appropriately to receive an edge of a nasal spray blister package 400. In one embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 numbers two receivers, one affixed to each of the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108.

In either embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may be positioned both directly opposite to each other and near a rear edge of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 of the main body 100. In this orientation the plurality of blister package receivers 110 combine to hold the nasal spray blister packages 400 in place such that they do not move relative to the main body 100.

The various components of the nasal spray storage and protection device may be substantially constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials, but typically is constructed of a resilient material or combination of materials such that the device is resistant to crushing and damage as a result of compression, stretching, twisting, heating, or submersion in water. As an example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, various exemplary embodiments of the nasal spray storage and protection device may be substantially constructed of one or more materials of plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, steel, aluminum, brass, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the nasal spray storage and protection device may be coated, lined, or otherwise insulated to prevent fluid damage to the device. The material of construction of the plurality of blister package receivers 110 and cover 200 may be matched to the main body 100 so as to maintain the aesthetics of the device.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A nasal spray storage and protection device, comprising: a main body; a cover; a plurality of blister package receivers; and a means for attachment to a user; wherein said main body further comprises a front side, a rear side, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a base plate, and a central cavity; and wherein said plurality of blister package receivers are attached to an inner side of said first lateral side and an inner side of said second lateral side.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said plurality of blister package receivers comprise recesses in said inner side of said first lateral side and said inner side of said second lateral side.
 3. The invention of claim 1, wherein said plurality of blister package receivers comprise a plurality of prominences and notches attached to said inner side of said first lateral side and said inner side of said second lateral side.
 4. The invention of claim 1, wherein said central cavity of said main body is only large enough to hold one nasal spray blister package.
 5. The invention of claim 4, wherein said plurality of blister package receivers are positioned near a rear edge of said inner side of said first lateral side and said inner side of said second lateral side.
 6. The invention of claim 1, wherein said central cavity of said main body is only large enough to hold two nasal spray blister packages.
 7. The invention of claim 6, wherein said plurality of blister package receivers are positioned at a center of said inner side of said first lateral side and said inner side of said second lateral side.
 8. The invention of claim 1, wherein said cover further comprises a lip.
 9. The invention of claim 8, wherein said lip further comprises a seal.
 10. The invention of claim 1, wherein said cover further comprises a handle.
 11. The invention of claim 1, wherein said cover is attached to said main body by a hinged attachment.
 12. The invention of claim 1, wherein said cover is attached to said main body by an articulating attachment.
 13. The invention of claim 1, wherein said base plate of said main body is a solid base plate.
 14. The invention of claim 1, wherein said base plate of said main body is a slotted base plate.
 15. The invention of claim 1, wherein said base plate of said main body is a vented base plate.
 16. The invention of claim 1, wherein said main body and said cover comprise a crush-resistant material of construction.
 17. The invention of claim 1, wherein said means for attachment to a user is a clip suitable for attachment to a duty belt.
 18. The invention of claim 1, wherein said means for attachment to a user is a clip suitable for attachment to a protective vest.
 19. The invention of claim 1, wherein said means for attachment to a user is a clip suitable for attachment to an epaulette. 